Jon Wilkin and Sam Tomkins make call on controversial Leeds Rhinos sin bin

Leeds Rhinos lost to Warrington Wolves on day one of Magic Weekend with their Super League playoff hopes dashed after the 24-6 loss but it was a game that was arguably decided on one key decision.

The decision in question was when Leeds Rhinos winger David Fusitu’a was sent to the sin bin in the 50th minute with the score 8-0 to Warrington, however, when he returned it was 18-0 with the game out of sight after Wire ran in two tries whilst at a man advantage.

Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur questioned the decision when speaking post-game on Sky Sports and now the broadcasters presenting and the punditry team have argued that it was an incorrect call too.

Fusitu’a was sent to the bin for what referee Chris Kendall described as ‘preventing a try-scoring opportunity’ with the winger taking out Matty Ashton off the ball as the pair chased a Josh Drinkwater kick. Video referee Tom Grant ruled that there was no need to award a penalty try, however, Kendall went on to show a yellow card controversially.

In the immediate aftermath, former Super League referee Richard Silverwood took to social media to argue that it was “poor from Kendall” as he hit out at the decision and post-game, the Sky Sports team did the same.

Did pivotal moment cost Leeds Rhinos?

Analysing the incident, Brian Carney explained: “This is what we all found controversial. We couldn’t understand why that was considered a try-scoring opportunity.”

Former St Helens captain Jon Wilkin was the most vocal on the matter, arguing bluntly: “It’s not a yellow card. It’s a poor decision.

“I thought this was such a bad decision. This penalty for interference here where he obstructs him from maybe getting the ball. There’s not a chance that Matty Ashton is scoring that. He’s had to check his run, the ball is behind him.”

Sam Tomkins agreed, also noting the immense pressure it piled on Leeds who conceded on the resulting set of six and just minutes later whilst Fusitu’a was off the pitch.

Tomkins explained: “That’s just a penalty. There’s nothing more than that and it put Leeds under massive pressure.”

Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur had bemoaned the incidents leading to Fusitu’a’s sin bin and whilst Jon Wilkin agreed on all points with the Australian, he also noted that Warrington Wolves also copped some unfair calls.

“I’d say there were a few harsh calls that went against them,” Wilkin stated when assessing Arthur’s comments.

“Certainly when we were up in the studio watching, we thought that was a knock-on and we thought that the steal from Martin should have been given, and then Fusitu’a wasn’t a yellow. So we sort of concur.

“The other side of it is that there was also a few decisions for Warrington. The Rodrick Tai yellow card was a bizarre decision. I think the less we can get the referees involved in actually the narrative of the games, the better, and I think we should strive for that.

“Let’s find ways to get fewer penalties in our game.”